Autumn Leaves

On my walk this morning I noticed the leaves are gradually losing their color, a tattle-tale sign that tells us autumn is here. I had my camera with me so I took a photograph of this tree near our home.

I always feel a little sad and reflective when summer ends and the days grow shorter. But I do love the subtle shift in the light especially in the early mornings, and the soft golden glow that wraps itself around our hearts reminding us, change is upon us.

quote for the day;

“It is time for us to kiss the earth again, it is time to let the leaves rain from the skies, let the rich life run to the roots again.” – Robinson Jeffers

Gaia’s Hideaways

My early childhood was spent exploring the fields and nearby ranches next to our family’s farm. I roamed the countryside riding my donkey, collecting feathers, rocks, and arrow heads. Catching tadpoles, climbing trees, and communing with nature.

Today, even though I live in the city, I still love to explore and find magical places where I can spend some time close to nature. I usually take my camera and photograph anything interesting I might find along the way.

It’s amazing what you can find even in highly dense residential areas. It seems nature always finds a way to carve a place out for herself even in the most inhospitable environments.

Here are some beautiful, peaceful places I like to visit.

quotes for the day;

“Those of us who consider ourselves to be somehow involved in the birthing of a new age, should discover Gaia as well. The idea of Gaia may facilitate the task of converting destructive human activities to constructive and cooperative behavior. It is an idea which deeply startles us, and in the process, may help us as a species to make the necessary jump to planetary awareness.” – James Lovelock

“Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself.” – Henry David Thoreau

Finger Labyrinths

The finger labyrinth is a wonderful way to experience the healing and spiritual benefits of the labyrinth.

The portability and accessibility of these smaller versions of the labyrinth allow us to carry them wherever we go. Regardless of location, weather conditions, health or mobility issues.

I have used mine when traveling, waiting to see my doctor, and during those long stopovers between flights. They are wonderful, easy to carry and ready for use 24 hours a day.

Finger labyrinths have been around for centuries and some of these were said to be carved on rock walls and small stones. They were used to lead one to a deeper understanding of the self and a closer relationship with the divine.

Labyrinths can be used by everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, traditions or background. They are a universal spiritual tool.

The three stages of the Labyrinth;

• Releasing -Letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of releasing thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
• Receiving – When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.
• Returning – As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining with the Divine, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.

I received my finger labyrinth as a gift several years ago and use it for relaxation and meditation. It was purchased from The Shop at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

I am also very fortunate to have a seven circuit labyrinth within walking distance of my home. I love it!

thought for the day;

” The great need of our time is for people to be connected to spirit; for people to be connected to a core of feeling in themselves that makes their lives vital and full of meaning, that makes life a mystery evermore to be uncovered.” – Harold Stone – Sandplay

Cunning Woman

The Cunning woman or cunning man was a practitioner of folk magic. They were also known across England as “wise men” or “wise women”. In Cornwall they were sometimes referred to as “pellars”, those who practice expelling evil spirits.

They communed with the potent forces within the land.The cunning woman listened  to the wisdom of the spirits of the place where she lived, and knew the properties of wild herbs and the traditional ways of charm making.

“She stood alone beneath a canopy of trees, watching mostly half glimpses of things that would not reveal themselves. Patiently waiting for the nuances, the shades, the deeper insights to flow through her.

The stillness that emanated from the forest and from the earth nourished her.”Ancient mother,” she said,” these are troubling times and I need distance to see the patterns at play. I honor your presence. Come to me if you will.” – The Deep Magic of Gaia – Rose Arizmendi

The Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands – 5 x7 inches – Mixed Media

This morning I picked a Tarot card for the month of July. I was quite pleased when The Ace of Wands appeared in the future position.

As chance would have it, a few hours earlier I had been contemplating a new project which I wanted to start this month.The idea came to me as I was walking the labyrinth near our home.

The Ace of Wands card signifies potent, powerful raw energy and can also represent a new awakening on many different levels. When this card shows up in a reading, pay attention to your intuition when making big decisions regarding new projects, ideas, situations or beginning a new enterprise.

The Ace of Wands represents the life force itself and usually indicates a new phase in ones life. Either something new has begun or will begin.

Key Words for the Ace of Wands:

• Creativity
• Will Power
• Enthusiasm
• Initiation
• Vitality
• Passion
• Alchemy
• New Opportunities
• Success